When does a belt tensioner need to be replaced?
When does a belt tensioner need to be replaced?
If the tensioner arm moves more than 1/32″ the dampening mechanism is worn and the tensioner must be replaced. The sign of a good tensioner is to only see 1/32” movement. If you see more, the dampening mechanism is worn and the tensioner must be replaced.
What are the symptoms of a bad belt tensioner?
Squeaking or Grinding Noise. One of the most common symptoms of a failing belt tensioner is unusual noise coming from either the tensioner or the drive belts. If the drive belt noise resembles a squeal or a squeak, it is possible that the belt tensioner is loose. This is especially the case when starting the engine first thing in the morning.
How to diagnose a belt tensioner Ricks free auto repair?
As the idler roller bearing wears it makes a high pitched screeching sound. Turn on the A/C and run the engine at idle speed. Then shine a flashlight on the roller/pulley at the end of the belt tensioner arm. The tensioner arm should only move about 1/32″.
What makes a serpentine belt tensioner so good?
To avoid the constant pull/release, every tensioner is built with a dampening mechanism; it’s kinda like a shock absorber for the belt system.
When to replace a serpentine belt tensioner?
Repair Topics > Belts Serpentine & Timing > When to replace serpentine… Let’s get this straight from the get-go, a serpentine belt tensioner doesn’t last the life of the vehicle. In fact, most start to show serious wear right around the 100K mile mark. You may think a worn tensioner just means your belt loses tension; you’d be wrong.
As the idler roller bearing wears it makes a high pitched screeching sound. Turn on the A/C and run the engine at idle speed. Then shine a flashlight on the roller/pulley at the end of the belt tensioner arm. The tensioner arm should only move about 1/32″.
What happens if your timing belt tensioner is bad?
If the tensioner is bad, it can cause the belt to come loose or cause the pulley to seize, making the belt come off. Knowing some of the signs of a bad belt tensioner can help you to prevent serious engine damage due to a timing belt failure. The timing belt tensioner is used to do just that – keep tension on the timing belt.
Can a worn belt tensioner damage an alternator?
It’s just the opposite. A worn tensioner actually increases tension on the belt and that increased tension can damage the nose bearings on your AC compressor, power steering pump and alternator. Here’s why.
